frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən 

1

: the act of frustrating

the frustration of creative instinct is a notorious evil of the machine age

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

2

a

: the state or an instance of being frustrated

These bureaucratic delays have been causing us a lot of frustration.

b

: a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

loneliness and frustration; those are two constant themes in American literature

—Malcolm Cowley

3

: something that frustrates

the government's frustrations with seemingly insoluble problems

Synonyms

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• bugbear
• exasperation
• hair shirt
• hassle
• headache
• inconvenience
• irk
• irritant
• nuisance
• peeve
• pest
• rub
• ruffle
• thorn
• trial
• vexation

Examples of frustration in a Sentence

He shook his head in frustration.

These bureaucratic delays have been causing us a lot of frustration.

These delays have proven to be a major frustration.

We've been experiencing a lot of frustrations.

He was angry about the frustration of his plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

Veteran offseason signing Eddie Jackson, who started four games, also was benched and then released after his frustration boiled over with an outburst at Orr in front of players and coaches. —Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

Many non-tribal residents felt that Ojibwe people were being given special privileges not afforded to them, and expressed their frustration through protests. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024

Crucial Quote In 1976, Carter ran as an outsider who campaigned on Americans’ frustrations with Nixon and his corruption. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Jimmy Carter Was the Most Successful Conservative President of the Last Five Decades Neither bill made any real progress in Congress, and Kennedy’s frustrations fueled his decision to challenge Carter for the 1980 Democratic nomination. —Guian McKee / Made By History, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

a

: an act of frustrating

b

: a state or an instance of being frustrated

2

: a feeling of being unable to get anything done

3

: something that frustrates

Medical Definition

frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

2

: something that frustrates

Legal Definition

frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion ˌfrəs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

a

: the act of frustrating

b

: the state or an instance of being frustrated

c

: something that frustrates

2

: a common-law doctrine of contract law: parties to a contract may be excused from performance even though performance is still possible if the reason for making the contract is partially or completely frustrated by a fortuitous event or by circumstances which are not the fault of either party

called also frustration of purpose, frustration of the venture

compare cause sense 4, force majeure clause, impossibility, impracticability

Note: In order for frustration to be used as a successful defense to a breach of contract claim, the reason for making the contract must have been contemplated or recognized by both the contracting parties even though it was not expressed in the contract.